A UNION official has warned that many areas of Sefton will be like a "ghost town" following the decision by members to take part in industrial action on Wednesday, November 30.

Education could be one of the worst-hit areas after members of NASUWT – the largest teacher's union in the UK – voted overwhelmingly to strike, leaving many of the area's schools facing a one day closure next week.

However, services across the board – from refuse collection to council workers – are likely to be affected as members of the largest public sector trade union UNISON also take part in the protest over proposed changes to pensions.

While it is not known how many workers will strike, the council admitted this week that there is likely to be disruption to normal services, with officials also waiting to confirm exactly how many schools will close.

With 3,500 UNISON members in Sefton thought to be striking next Wednesday, this is set to be the biggest day of action since the General Strike of 1926.

Glen Williams, Branch Secretary of Sefton Unison, said: "It will be massive and people will just have to get used to this happening if the Government continue to ignore our protests over pension reform.

"Sefton will be a ghost town and we have warned Sefton Council to treat the day as being the equivalent of Christmas Day evening in terms of services available.

"The council have told us they will contact us by November 24 with a list of exceptions from striking, but we have had to jump through hoops to serve notice and give them appropriate warning. It is up to them to now make contingency plans.

"Once the strike has gone ahead we hope to resume meaningful consultation with the Government over our pensions.”

Southport schools which have confirmed they are closing include Stanley High School Sports College, Marshside Primary School, Shoreside Primary School, Holy Family Catholic Primary School and Ainsdale St John's Church of England Primary School.

Of other schools contacted by the Visiter, only Birkdale Primary School confirmed it would open.